Easement & wayleave negotiation
We work alongside public and private property owners to negotiate rights for utility apparatus to be placed, or remain in situ on their land. These rights often come in the form of Wayleaves or Easements which compensate our client for the loss of value to their property, taking into consideration visual impact, loss of income, restricted development, future hope value and many other factors. It is common that, even if a property was purchased with utility apparatus already situated on/over it, the network may not hold the correct rights.
At the Land Utility Advisory Group, we offer a comprehensive service including the following:
- No-obligation eligibility check
- Property inspection & valuation
- Claim formatting & submission to the utility network
- Negotiation with the network's instructed agent in consideration of compensation, rights required, expiration period and more
- Recommendation of agreement, or advice on alternative options including use of statutory proceedings
- Instruction of solicitors and management of the matter through to completion.
consent audits
Our consents audit service allows our clients to obtain a greater understanding of the existing rights utility networks may hold over their property and what options they have moving forward to maximise the value of their assets. The Land Utilities Group can offer specialist advice on all utility types whether situated on a single or multi-property portfolio. Our team members have previously audited apparatus and the associated rights for numerous councils, housing associations and landed estates.
Our advice is communicated through a detailed report format and follow up meetings where required. We also offer continued support in the case of growing portfolios where significant changes to networks rates or legislation may mean updates are required. Our audits contain information on the following:
- Utility details such as apparatus type, and quantity
- Annotated asset plans in hard copy and/or interactive GIS format
- Review of existing and past consent agreements with networks
- Cross reference of financial receipts with published wayleave rates
- Specialist advice on management of land impacted by utility assets
- Advice on relative legislation
utility lease reviews
Many types of utility infrastructure require lease agreements between the networks and the landowners whose property they are situated on. The most common types include electricity substations and water pumping stations. These lease agreements often expire after a term of 30 or 60 years, but unless a proactive renewal is undertaken the networks will often continue on a rolling rent, well below the market value.
The Land Utilities Advisory Group can negotiate new lease agreements on behalf of residential and commercial clients, ensuring the best outcome with regard to the term of the agreement, rental income, and rights over land.
We also have experience in lease agreements with respect to wind turbines and solar panels.
new connections
The land Utilities Advisory Group specialise in advising on the implementation of new utility apparatus at any scale. We work nationally on newly proposed schemes, ensuring landowners are properly represented throughout the process which can often span many years. The scope of our works prior to the scheme being undertaken include negotiating new rights and compensation as well as submitting comments and evidence during the consultation process. We also offer continued consultancy throughout the installation works to survey damage to land, timescales and contract obligations.
equipment removal & diversion
On occasion, existing electrical equipment can interrupt the enjoyment of your land, perhaps preventing its use or development. Quotations from network operators to move the equipment are often very expensive and can make the development unviable. Land Utilities Advisory Group can work with you to reduce the cost of the works to reposition the equipment and, on occasion, have the equipment removed from your property altogether.
project consultancy
Land Utilities Advisory Group are happy to work alongside you and your team to help maximise the value of your assets. We tailor our services to fit whatever capacity is required, from advice on an ad hoc basis to complete project management. We also work alongside many trusted third party professionals to deliver comprehensive solutions